Las Vegas-based Gaming Arts has promoted Jean Venneman to Chief Operating Officer and has named Mike Smykowski Director of Sales.
The changes come ahead of G2E, where the end-to-end gaming technology provider will display some its latest advancements in electronic gaming machines, bingo, keno and interactive casino-wide promotional systems.
Venneman takes over the role of COO after serving as Chief Commercial Officer.
"Over the last three and a half years, Jean has played a critical role in the growth of the Company," said Mike Dreitzer, CEO of Gaming Arts. "This appointment reflects what has been a natural expansion of responsibility for her within our organization." Dreitzer continued, "I look forward to continuing to work with Jean alongside David Colvin, Gaming Arts owner and founder, as well as the rest of the executive team as we collectively work to help lead the Company to the next level."
Venneman’s previous stops in gaming include SVP of Business Development at High 5 Games, VP, Brand Licensing Gaming & Interactive at Scientific Games and VP, Product Management at Bally Technologies.
Venneman said, "I am appreciative of the continued faith that David and Mike have placed in me. The future of Gaming Arts has certainly never been brighter. We have come so far in such a short amount of time and still have great opportunity in front of us."
Meanwhile, Smykowski joins Gaming Arts as Director of Sales after a decade-long run in gaming sales at Ainsworth Gaming Technology. His appointment is effective Oct. 11.
Smykowski said, "I am so happy and honored to be joining Gaming Arts at this pivotal time in their history. I look forward to working with the team to achieve our sales goals in an accelerated manner".
Colvin added, "These moves are extremely important to position ourselves for continued expansion and growth as a company. We congratulate Jean and welcome Mike to the team."
